It’s springtime in Bend, which means I just wore a sundress the same week I shoveled snow. Spring’s wonky weather spurs visions of what’s to come, as summer zooms at us like a heat-seeking missile filled with outdoor fun.

Itching to get an early start on summer in Bend? Here’s how to pre-funk Bend’s busy season during quieter springtime months.

Get ready for concert season!

The highlight of my summer is Bend’s outdoor music scene, and it starts early this year. Things launch with a bang on May 14 with LCD Soundsystem performing at Hayden Homes Amphitheater as one of just four North American shows. How lucky are we?! It’s a big deal in concertlandia, so get those tickets quickly. Other May shows include Riley Green, Portugal the Man, and Sarah McLaughlin kicking off a concert season that already boasts nearly 50 shows on the books. 

Other early-season music opportunities include the Homegrown Music Festival in April and the 4 Peaks Music Festival in June. And if you’re planning ahead, don’t forget to snag tickets for midsummer shows like Fairwell Festival in July or even Sisters Folk Festival in late September.

Soak up some warmth and blue skies

Anyone else feel like it’s been an extra-long winter? I grew up on the rainier side of Oregon, and I still remember how the long, gloomy days felt like they dragged on forever. 

Living in Bend for more than 26 years, I’ve learned we might get cold winters, but they’re served up with sunshine and blue skies. Need a dose of vitamin D in the form of Central Oregon sun? Spring’s a great time to get it, whether you’re into spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor or simply searching for an arts and culture fix and a chance to play outside without getting drenched.

Taste summer without the crowds

Bend’s peak season spans from Memorial Weekend through late September, and I won’t lie—things can get kinda crowded.

That’s why a spring trip to Bend makes so much sense. The weather’s getting warm, but you’ll mostly have trails to yourself. Spring hiking abounds at spots like the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, the Crooked River Gorge, the Deschutes River Trail, and Pilot Butte (which stays closed to motorized vehicles through mid-April, leaving wide-open space on the road for folks riding bikes or pushing strollers). 

Another bonus of springtime hiking? Trails that require a Central Cascade Wilderness Permit for hiking and backcountry camping from June through October don’t require permits when you trek them in April and May. 

Beyond the trails, you’ll find Bend restaurants, organized tours, and major landmarks tend to be much less crowded when you visit in April and May instead of those busier summer months.

Watch for road openings

Speaking of seasonal road closures and openings, start watching for those in April and May. Pilot Butte tends to be one of the earliest opened to motorized traffic, but keep an eye on Visit Bend’s social media for news about roadways to Tumalo Falls, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and the Cascade Lakes Highway. 

You can also swing by the Visitor Center for up-to-the-minute info about what’s opening soon or spots where they’ve already thrown open those snow gates to let everyone in for the season.

Hello, fishy friend

Fishing feels like a fabulous summer activity, but maybe not for fish who get hot and stressed under blazing August skies. Try springtime fishing instead, when big swaths of bugs bring out hungry fish in droves.

Count on Bend fishing shops like The Fly Fisher’s Place, Bend Fly Shop, and Fly and Field Outfitters to tell you the best spots to find trout or bass or whatever fish tickles your fancy. They’ll also tell you which lures and flies are currently tickling the fancy of fish in Bend’s rivers, lakes, and streams.

Scan our fly fishing article for info about guided adventures and other local fishing tips. Don’t forget to bone up on sustainable fishing tips, like using barbless hooks and a rubber mesh net, not to mention following humane catch-and-release practices.

Get some gravel

One of the fastest-growing forms of bike riding, gravel cycling abounds in Bend, and some of the best can be found in springtime.

For those new to the sport, gravel cycling takes place mostly on unpaved roads and trails. You can use a regular ol’ mountain bike, or rent a specialty gravel bike from Bend bike shops. 

Either way, you’ll find trails that range from historical alpine wagon roads to volcanic landscapes and riverfront roadways winding through lush forest. With the sun trickling down through the trees to warm your bare arms and legs, it’s the perfect way to feel a little bit summery when the calendar still says spring.

Pick a different holiday

You can set your watch to the flow of traffic surging into Bend for big holiday weekends. Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day…these are the behemoths, bookending Bend’s busy season and shoring up its core with huge crowds and busy trails.

Not to dissuade you from visiting Bend at peak holiday times, but why not go a mellower route? Mother’s Day brings May flowers and sunshine as well as fun Bend events like the Women’s Adventure Retreat sponsored by AdventurUs Women. Father’s Day in June makes a great chance to snatch the first bits of summer before spring officially gives up the ghost. 

Then there are Bend-specific “holidays” you won’t find on your Dollar Store calendar, but they’re legendary around these parts. I’m talking about the multi-sport Pole Pedal Paddle event and Mt. Bachelor’s Rendezvan, both of which take place in May, and make excellent summer kickoff events whether you’re taking part or simply sipping suds on the sidelines.

Score sweet deals on lodging

Peak summer season in Bend comes with premium pricing on Bend hotels and vacation rentals. Want summer-ish weather with winter-ish prices? Visit Bend in late spring when you’ll score super-sweet deals on the exact same hotel rooms and vacation homes you’ll pay much more to score in July and August. 

From cozy, riverfront rooms at The Riverhouse, to eco-chic luxury suites at The Oxford, to the tucked-in-the-woods vibe of LOGE, to hip and happenin’ Campfire Hotel, you’ll discover Bend lodging options to satisfy any taste or budget. Book early to get the best deals, and consider making it a three-day weekend—there’s tons to explore this time of year!